Golf Bag Cover-Cooler Combination

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises a cover-cooler combination for a golf bag which allows for maintaining perishable items such as beverage or food or both at temperatures above or below room temperature for a sufficient period of time to ensure enjoyment of the item held in the cover-cooler device while also continuing to provide traditional protection for the golf clubs in a golf bag. The cover-cooler combination may also include added features such as wireless device holders, pocket-like holders for keys, writing utensils, golf accessories including additional golf balls and tees, etc. to enhance a golfer&#39;s golfing experience by adding convenience.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golf bag covers for golf bagsthat protect both golf clubs and the interior of golf bags from waterduring inclement weather conditions, the golf club heads duringtransportation, and more particularly, to a golf bag cover that can beconveniently converted or allowed to act as a cooler for beverage orfood. It is also conceivable that the user may think of the deviceprimarily as a cooler that converts into or becomes useful as a golf bagcover. The conventional cover is provided with snaps for attachment anddetachment from the neck of a golf bag and has a zipper for accessingclubs in the golf bag when the cover is used. In a majority of cases,golf is played in weather that is not inclement and the clubs aresecured in an upright position on the cart, minimizing the possibilityof damage while playing. The golf bag cover is removed from the bag andstored in one of the golf bag compartments providing no additionalutility to the golf bag user or worse yet, placed in the golf cart andpossibly forgotten at the end of play. Additionally, no matter whattheir level of skill, most golfers enjoy refreshments on the courseduring a round of golf. These refreshments include water and soft drinkssuch as Coke, Pepsi, root beer and the like, as well as alcoholicbeverages such as beer. These drinks conventionally are available intwelve (12) or sixteen (16) ounce cans and/or bottles either throughdispensing machines placed about the golf course, or at the clubfacilities including the pro shop, bar or restaurant.

For golfers that take coolers to the golf courses, presently, they mustbring a separate cooler with them. At many golf facilities there existbans regarding bringing conventional hard surfaced coolers into the golfareas. Some coolers are disguised as accessory bags and as such arelimited in size and utility.

Thus, a need exists for a golf bag cover that not only protects golfclubs during transport and the interior of the bag from rain or otherundesirable weather elements whenever encountered, but also permits forthe additional utility as a cooler for beverages and food.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a new and useful product, method and system forgolf accessories. Specifically, the invention provides for a productthat combines the need for a golf bag cover which protects expensivegolf clubs from physical or mechanical damage and has the additionalutility that allows for the same product to be used as a cooler. Thecover-cooler combination includes several unique features that assistthe golfer in maintaining beverage or food or both at temperatures aboveor below room temperature for a sufficient period of time to ensureenjoyment of the item to enhance a golfer's golfing experience by addingconvenience.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Over the years golfers have developed a number of accessory products foruse with golf bags as well as coolers with golfing themes, but nonerefer to combining the items into a single device with multiple uses;

U.S. Pat. No. 2,723,535 to Jones, describes a cooler with a canvas outerlayer and an insulative layer that may be strapped to a pull golf cart,golf cart or a golf bag. Its sole purpose is that of a cooler forbeverages, food and the like.

U.S. Pat. No. D293,851 to Cannon, et. al., describes an ornamentaldesign of a cooler compartment that is attachable to a golf bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,827 to Rhodes, describes a golf bag cooler kit forcarrying cooled beverages comprising a belt and a mounting plateassembly. The belt straps circle the golf bag and, when tightened, allowfor beverages to be placed inside the compartments.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,365 to Purdue, et. al., describes an accessorycompartment that is detachably secured to the side of a golf bag with aplurality of closable pockets.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,682 to Penner, describes a golf bag beverage coolerfor attachment to a golf bag with a strap means. It also describesinsulation, circular access, a tube and allows for dispensing. A coolingmeans of freezable fluid provides cooling.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,767 to Buschbom, describes a cooler preferablyattachable to the front of a golf cart.

Canadian Patent No. CA2225033A to Whenham, describes a coolerspecifically designed as a golf accessory that attaches to the side ofthe golfer's bag. It retains a strap that can be used as a carryingstrap to be used independently of the golf bag and a preferred coolingmeans of ice packs.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,099,989 to Miller, describes a combination golf headcover and beverage container insulator used to cover an individual golfclub and receiving a single beverage container. It provides no means forcooling beverages.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,855 to Crescenzo, et. al., describes a portablecooler for use with a golf bag wherein the portable cooler is insertedlengthwise into a peripheral side compartment of the golf bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,247 to Shioda, describes an improved, semi-rigidremovable golf bag cover that is removeably attached to a golf bag andis foldable around the perimeter of the golf bag as a means to accessgolf clubs.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,253 to Todd, describes a three part coolercomprising an upper insulated cooler attached to a golf bag and a lowerinsulated cooler attached to a lower portion of the golf bag both sizedto receive a beverage container and a central portion separated from theupper and lower portions to receive a cooling medium.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,551 to Vavro, describes a cooler as an integral partof a golf bag located within the bottom portion of a main storage cavitywith a means for cooling and an opening in the side for storage andretrieval of beverage cans.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,813 to Smith, describes a beverage cooler whereinthe beverage is a bottle and the coolant surrounds the bottle sides andthe cooler portion is preferably recessed from the bottle mouth.

PCT Publication No. WO 04012826A1 to Klock, describes a cooler for asingle bottle attached to a golf bag that is oriented so that the bottleis substantially vertical.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,661 to Mogil, describes an insulated, lined, softshell cooler with a hinged top for inserting and removing beveragecontainers U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,0661, a continuation of U.S. Pat. No.6,513,661 to Mogil, describes an insulated, lined, soft shell coolerwith a hinged top for inserting and removing beverage containers and alifting member attached to the lead portion of the cooler and anauxiliary compartment with a closure member operable to gain access.U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,776, a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,0661 toMogil, describes an insulated, lined, soft-shell cooler with a hingedtop for inserting and removing beverage containers.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,325 to Taylor, describes a cooler that is removeablyattached to a golf cart that is not an accessory to a golf bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,389, a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No.6,092,066 to Mogil, describes a flexible insulated cooler with a “C”shaped cylinder extending between the top and bottom wherein thecylinder is moved to allow for accessibility by the user.

Although many of the above referenced patents relate to some form of agolf bag cover, golf club cover, or beverage cooler, none of theseinventions teach or even suggest a combination golf bag cover which canbe converted into a beverage/foodstuff cooler and container as a unitarydevice. Presently there are no commercially available combination golfbag cover/beverage coolers that would integrally accompany the golfer ona golf course when they have their bags and clubs. Based on theinventor's experience, it is highly desirable to provide such acombination golf bag cover and cooler.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention comprises a cover-cooler combination for a golfbag which allows for maintaining beverage or food or both attemperatures above or below room temperature for a sufficient period oftime to ensure enjoyment of the item that is held in the cover-coolerdevices while also continuing to provide traditional protection for thegolf clubs in a golf bag. The thermal insulation provided within thecover-cooler combination will also ensure against items (that mustmaintain a low or high temperature) from perishing or degrading to apoint where the items may become unusable (or at the very leastundesirable).

Thus, one object of the present invention is to provide a golf bagcover-cooler combination that is primarily a unitary device in that thecombination is preferably one-piece, however, this is not a prerequisitefor the device. The cover-cooler combination may also bemulti-sectioned. The cover should be comprised of an outer layer ofdurable, semi-rigid material, such as canvas comprised of traditionalwoven or even non-woven materials including thermoplastics and the like,with and without cellular or foamed structure and including variousmaterial composites as so desired. The cover-cooler combination mustalso continue to protect the golf bag and the golf bag's contents fromrain or transportation damage and also must cover and protect apreferred second layer comprised of insulative material and an optionalbut highly desirable either separate or combined layer utilizingwaterproof or at least water resistant material.

Another object of the present invention is to include in the combinationcover-cooler a feature for opening and closing to aid in accessing golfclubs and for removal of the golf bag cover from the golf bag. Anadditional feature provides the dual utility of closing an openedportion of the cover-cooler combination, once removed from the golf bag,to aid in keeping the contents, such as beverages and foodstuffsthermally insulated as well as providing a convenient carrying means.

It is therefore an additional object of the present invention to providea combination golf bag cover and cooler that is insulated andoperationally efficient for storing beverage and food, as well asprotecting golf clubs from mechanical, physical or meteorologicaldamage.

The cover-cooler combination may also include added features such aswireless device holders, pocket-like holders for keys, writing utensils,golf accessories including additional golf balls and tees, etc. Theseadditional features and their utility are essentially infinite andtherefore it should suffice to state that the present invention mayinclude all known and foreseen features that could be added to thecover-cooler combination to enhance a golfer's golfing experience byadding convenience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a typical golf bag for storing golf clubs.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a golf bag cover and how it fits withrelation to a typical golf bag.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of only a golf bag cover inverted in thecooler position.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of the basic construction materials of thecover-cooler.

FIG. 4A is an illustration of the golf bag cover-cooler showing closurefeatures.

FIG. 4B is an illustration showing FIG. 4A feature construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description which follows, and the embodiments described therein, isprovided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particularembodiments of the principles of the present invention. These examplesare provided for the purposes of explanation, and not of limitation, ofthose principles and of the invention. In the description which follows,the same parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawingswith the same respective reference numerals. The figures represent thecover-cooler combination and are not drawn to scale and in someinstances proportions have been exaggerated in order to more clearlydepict certain features of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical golf bag [100], which is comprised of aclub storage cavity [110], which is essentially vertical, with a base[120] typically of a rigid, wear resistant construction. The uppermostportion of the club storage cavity [110] is the neck [125], which maycontain horizontal club separators [130] for separating a plurality ofgolf clubs [128]. Typically attached to the base [120] and the neck[125] is a strap [135] used to carry the golf bag [100]. Other featuressuch as compartments [140] and accessories [145] may be removeablyattached to the outer surface of the club cavity [110]. Compartments[140] and accessories [145] may contain fasteners such as zippers [150],or hook loop(s) [155], manufactured from materials such as Velcro®, orthe fasteners may be snaps [160].

FIG. 2 is a golf bag cover-cooler combination [200] large enough toperipherally cover a neck [125] of a golf bag [100] with golf clubs[128] in the club storage cavity [110] comprising a semi-rigid material[210] preferably with a waterproof zipper [220] to open and close thecover-cooler combination [200] for access to golf clubs [128]. Whenclosed, the zipper [220] ensures that the cover-cooler combinationbecomes a closed barrier to rain and other undesirable weather relatedelements. An optional elastic band [230] is attached, preferably sewninto place, peripherally around the golf bag cover-cooler combination[200]. Closure/fasteners such as Velcro® [235] are preferably sewn inplace to enable closure of the golf bag cover-cooler combination [200]when it is removed and inverted for use as a cooler (FIG. 3) [300] forbeverages or food. The closure/fasteners made of Velcro® may also beused to secure the golf bag cover-cooler combination [200] to the neck[125] of the golf bag [100]. The cover-cooler [200] combination may bepreferably portably transported by the user inserting their fingers andgrasping the appropriate section of the cover-cooler combination throughan opening [240] or optionally by means of an accessory handleremoveably attached to the cover-cooler combination [200]. The accessoryhandle [245] may also be used to secure the cover-cooler combination[200] optionally to the outside of a golf bag [100] again by use of hookand loop features associated with Velcro® and the like.

Additionally the cover-cooler combination [200] may contain fastenerssuch as zippers [150], hook loop(s) [155], using Velcro® as the materialof choice, or possibly snaps [160] to secure the cover-coolercombination [200] to the golf bag [100]. A method for attaching thecover-cooler combination to a golf cart in the same fashion as would beused to attach to a golf bag is also possible, as is just allowing forcarrying the cover-cooler separately. The primary purpose of providingthe features described above for fastening the cover-cooler to the golfbag (or golf cart) is to ensure that the cover-cooler combination isuniversal, in that it would fit essentially any manufactured golf bag orgolf cart or accessories thereof. It is possible and also within thescope of the intent of this specification, that the cover-coolercombination be manufactured to specifications required for customgolfbags and/or golf carts. These custom designs will vary in terms ofthe attachment requirements necessary to ensure proper linkage with thecover-cooler combination.

The cover-cooler combination [200] may also contain a loop feature [250]to allow for hanging the cover-cooler combination [200] to aid indrying, cleaning or providing other user's needs.

FIG. 3A illustrates the cover-cooler combination [200] in an invertedposition, preferable for use as a cooler indicating material for thecover-cooler combination [200] in FIG. 3B which is comprised of asemi-rigid outer surface [210], preferably of waterproof material suchas a canvas or webbed material, a preferable but optional inner layer ofinsulative material [310], preferably of a closed cell foamed polymerand an inner layer [320] of another waterproof material which may or maynot be identical to that of the outer surface [210] material. Anoptional waterproof liner [330] such as a plastic sack, may be insertedinto the cover-cooler [200] based upon the user(s)' preference. Thezipper [220] is secured through the material layers [210, 310, 320] bystitching or other means to bind the material layers [210, 310, 320]together. When the zipper [220] is closed, and the cover-cooler [200] isinverted, the cover-cooler [200] is considered to be an essentiallywatertight compartment. The cover-cooler [200] inner layer [320] withthe zipper [220] fully released may be inverted inwardly outward forease in cleaning or drying of the inner layer [320]. There is also apossibility of using a strap [245] for use as a handle so that thecooler may be carried appropriately.

Additional features (not shown) may include compartments for electronicdevices, personal belongings, and the like, and may provide for openingssidewardly opened or opened from either a topside or a bottom sidedepending on whether the cover-cooler [200] is vertical as shown in FIG.2 or the cover-cooler [200] is inverted as in FIG. 3. Compartments forcontaining chemical ‘ice packs’ or ‘warmers’ may be added to the innerlayer [320] to aid in cooling or heating as desired. The cover-coolercombination [200] may optionally be adapted to different manufacturersgolf bag [100] specifications for size, shape, color, and design, asrequired.

It will, of course, be appreciated that the embodiments described havebeen given simply by the way of illustration, and the invention is notlimited to the precise embodiments described herein. Various changes andmodifications of the embodiments disclosed may be prepared by oneskilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of theinvention and as defined in the appended claims.

1. An optionally removable golf bag cover-cooler combination for a golfbag comprising; a semi-rigid cover-cooler member that is positionable inan attached condition about a neck of said golf bag so that access togolf clubs and any compartments and accessories defined as part of saidgolf bag are not hindered and wherein said semi-rigid cover member isremovably attached about an area of said neck of said golf bag and isextendable above said neck of said golf bag to an extended position todefine a sufficient space to enclose and protect said golf clubscontained in said golf bag; an opening of said golf bag cover-coolercombination for accessing said golf clubs in said golf bag when in saidextended position, whereby an attachment area is provided for saidattached condition about said neck of said golf bag and said attachedcondition allows for attaching and detaching said golf bag cover-coolercombination to said neck; and wherein said semi-rigid cover-coolermember itself comprises a compartment that has an opening and is definedby edge boundaries of said semi-rigid cover wherein said opening may beoptionally fully, partially, or not closed at any point in time, andwherein said semi-rigid cover member also optionally comprises a shellwall structure attached to an optionally insulated layer portion and anoptional inner liquid resistant layer portion, wherein said insulatedlayer and inner liquid resistant portions of said shell wall structureco-operate to also define said compartment, and wherein said compartmentis thereby optionally insulated and liquid resistant and is suitable assaid cover-cooler combination for said golf bag.
 2. The golf bagcover-cooler combination according to claim 1, wherein said cover-coolercombination is a device that acts simply as a cooler in that said coolerprovides thermal insulation for perishable items such as food andbeverage.
 3. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 1,wherein said semi-rigid cover-cooler member comprises at least twosurfaces.
 4. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 3,wherein a first surface of said two surfaces includes two extendinginner edge portions that may extend in an L-shape-like configuration upand over said golf bag, said opening being attached to said inner edgeportions for opening of said semi-rigid cover-cooler member, and saidsecond surface may be U-shaped-like and extends above said golf bag tojoin with said first surface thereby defining a sufficient space abovesaid golf bag to enclose and protect said golf clubs contained in saidgolf bag and provide said compartment which is insulated and is suitableas said cover-cooler combination for said golf bag.
 5. The golf bagcover-cooler combination according to claim 4, wherein said cover-coolercombination is positionable in an attached, non-collapsed or collapsedcondition about a neck of a golf bag in a convenient, out-of-the-waydisposition so that access to golf clubs in and pockets on said golf bagare not hindered, comprising an opening of said cover-cooler member foraccessing said golf clubs in said golf bag when in said extendedposition above said golf bag, wherein said cover-cooler member includesat least one predetermined fold-line for predetermined and controlledfolding of said cover-cooler member from its extended position to acollapsed position about said attachment area of said neck of said golfbag when said opening is open, and an attachment arrangement attached tosaid cover-cooler member for securing said cover-cooler member in saidnon-collapsed or collapsed position about said neck of said golf bag sothat said cover-cooler member does not obstruct access to golf clubs inor pockets on said golf bag, providing a securing member extendingacross or around said opening of said cover-cooler member defined bysaid opening when said opening is open, wherein said opening may beclosed by use of tie-strings, elastic bands, or a flap-like assembly toprovide enclosure for said compartment which is insulated and issuitable as said cover-cooler combination for said golf bag.
 6. The golfbag cover-cooler combination according to claim 5, wherein saidcover-cooler combination comprises said at least two surfaces and saidat least one predetermined fold-line optionally comprises multiplefold-lines.
 7. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim5, wherein said attachment arrangement extends across or around saidopening when said opening is open or closed and wherein said attachmentarrangement may include either a strap or handle or any convenientcombination thereof.
 8. The golf bag cover-cooler combination accordingto claim 5, wherein said attachment arrangement comprises fasteningcomponents composed of Velcro® or Velcro®-like material.
 9. The golf bagcover-cooler combination according to claim 5, wherein said attachmentarrangement includes one or more slits that comprise said handle. 10.The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim 5, wherein saidattachment arrangement comprises two or more Velcro® strips with one ormore functions known as a tandem function, wherein one function is toensure proper attachment of said attachment arrangement to said golfbagor to a golfcart, and another function is to provide for proper closureof said cover-cooler combination opening.
 11. The golf bag cover-coolercombination according to claim 10, wherein said Velcro® strips may beused as a tandem function in that said strips include hook and loopfeatures on opposing surfaces wherein said strips have adhesive backingand wherein said adhesive backing may be peelable such that saidadhesive backing may be placed in coordination with an exterior surfacerim of said golfbag and an interior surface of said cover-coolercombination such that mating of said hook and loop features of saidstrips may occur either to attach said golfbag or golfcart to saidcover-cooler combination or to provide for proper closure of saidcover-cooler combination or provide both functions.
 12. The golf bagcover-cooler combination according to claim 7, wherein said attachmentarrangement comprises straps having complementary detachable fasteningcomponents.
 13. The golf bag cover-cooler combination according to claim7, wherein said attachment arrangement includes at least two straps. 14.The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 1, wherein saidcover-cooler combination includes a see-through pocket mountedexternally for any compartments or accessories defined as part of saidgolf bag cover-cooler combination.
 15. The golf bag cover-coolercombination of claim 14, wherein said cover-cooler combination comprisesa transparent pocket mounted to one of said side portions of saidcover-cooler combination.
 16. A golf bag cover-cooler combinationwherein said cover-cooler comprises: a flexible, semi-rigid shell wallstructure having a flexible insulated layer, a bottom portion, a topportion, and a sidewall structure, wherein said sidewall structure has aleading portion, a trailing portion and left and right side portions,said leading, trailing and left and right side portions of said sidewallstructure extending between said top and bottom portions, wherein saidportions of said semi-rigid shell wall structure co-operate to definetherewithin an insulated compartment, said sidewall structure leading,trailing and left and right side portions having upper edge boundaries,said upper edge boundaries co-operating to define an opening of saidinsulated compartment, wherein said top portion is a lid or flap, saidlid or flap being moveable to an open position to expose said opening ofsaid insulated compartment, said sidewall structure also having a rimextending about said opening; an optional liner mounted to said rim,said liner being positionable within said compartment and moveable to aninverted position to facilitate washing thereof and which is alsothermally insulated and liquid resistant; an optional lifting memberattached to said leading portion of said flexible soft shell wallstructure, wherein said lifting member is optionally a strap or handleor at least one slit or any convenient combination thereof; saidsidewall structure having a height, a depth, and a breadth, said heightbeing greater than either of said depth and said breadth; an optionalsecondary wall structure mounted to said trailing portion of saidsemi-rigid shell wall structure to define an auxiliary compartment, saidsecondary wall structure having an auxiliary compartment closure memberoperable to give access to said auxiliary compartment.
 17. The golf bagcover-cooler combination of claim 16, wherein said lid or flap ismoveable to a closed position relative to said insulated compartment,said lid or flap has an inside surface optionally having a peripheralbead formed thereabout, wherein said inside surface faces toward saidinsulated compartment when said lid or flap is in said closed positionand said rim has an upwardly extending bead standing in opposition tosaid bead of said lid or flap when said lid or flap is in said closedposition.
 18. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 17, whereinsaid auxiliary compartment has a holder mounted therein, wherein saidholder may provides for keys, wireless devices, or other personaldevices that have utility for an individual or group of golfers.
 19. Thegolf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 18, wherein said holderincludes a lanyard secured within said auxiliary compartment.
 20. Thegolf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 19, wherein one of said sideportions has see-through side pocket(s), said pocket(s) having a leadingedge, a trailing edge and an opening between said leading and trailingedges; said leading edge being longer than said trailing edge; andwherein said auxiliary compartment has see-through vented pocket(s)mounted externally thereto; and said lid or flap has a carrying memberattached thereto.
 21. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 20,wherein said pocket(s) are formed of a flexible, liquid resistantmaterial.
 22. The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 21, whereinsaid lifting member includes a strap with a quick release hangingmechanism for attachment to said cover-cooler combination.
 23. The golfbag cover-cooler combination of claim 22, wherein a girth reinforcementextending about said sidewall structure adjacent to said bottom portionand said top portion of said cover-cooler combination is optional. 24.The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 23, wherein said optionalliner is impermeable and is attached continuously around said rim. 25.The golf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 24, wherein saidinsulated compartment has a thermal transfer medium holder mountedtherein, and said holder is optionally vented.
 26. The golf bagcover-cooler of claim 25, wherein a reusable ice or heating substituteexists in said top portion of said cover-cooler, such that when saidcover-cooler is inverted and closed or sealed, said ice or heatingsubstitute is activated by placing said cover-cooler in a freezer oroven for a period of time.
 27. The golf bag cover-cooler of claim 26,wherein said cover-cooler is sized for storage in an average freezer oroven.
 28. A method for using an openable and optionally collapsible golfbag cover-cooler combination comprising the steps of: attaching asemi-rigid cover-cooler member to an area of a neck of a golf bag;opening said cover-cooler member when in an extended position above saidgolf bag enclosing and protecting golf clubs contained in said golf bag;optionally folding said cover-cooler member down about an attachmentarea of said neck of said golf bag about at least one predeterminedfold-line in said cover-cooler member; optionally detaching anoptionally collapsed said cover-cooler member from said neck of saidgolf bag with an optional holding device such as straps or Velcro® orVelcro-like strips attached to said cover-cooler member so that saidcover-cooler member does not obstruct access to golf clubs in or pocketson said golf bag; opening or closing an opened section of saidcover-cooler member to insert or remove objects that require thermalinsulation over a period of time; and inserting or removing said objectswhen desired.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of optionallydetaching said collapsed cover-cooler member includes extending saidoptional holding device across or around an opening formed when saidcooler-cover member is opened and fastening in detachable engagementcomplimentary fastening components that are attached to ends of saidholding device wherein said holding device comprise straps or handles orat least one slit or any convenient combination thereof.
 30. A systemfor using a removable golf bag cover-cooler combination for a golf bagwherein said cover-cooler combination comprises; a semi-rigidcover-cooler member that is positionable in an attached condition abouta neck of said golf bag so that access to golf clubs and anycompartments and accessories defined as part of said golf bag are nothindered and wherein said semi-rigid cover member is removably attachedabout an area of said neck of said golf bag and is extendable above saidneck of said golf bag to an extended position to define a sufficientspace to enclose and protect said golf clubs contained in said golf bag;an opening of said golf bag cover-cooler combination for accessing saidgolf clubs in said golf bag when in said extended position, whereby anattachment area is provided for said attached condition about said neckof said golf bag and said attached condition allows for attaching anddetaching said golf bag cover-cooler combination to said neck; andwherein said semi-rigid cover-cooler member itself comprises an openingto a compartment within and defined by an edge boundaries of saidsemi-rigid cover wherein said opening may be optionally fully,partially, or not, closed at any point in time, and wherein saidsemi-rigid cover member also optionally comprises a shell wall structureattached to an insulated layer portion and an optional inner liquidresistant layer portion, wherein said insulated layer and inner liquidresistant portions of said shell wall structure co-operate to alsodefine said compartment, and wherein said compartment is therebyoptionally insulated and liquid resistant and is suitable as saidcover-cooler combination for said golf bag, and using an openable andoptionally collapsible golf bag cover-cooler combination comprising thesteps of: attaching a semi-rigid cover-cooler member to an area of aneck of a golf bag; opening said cover-cooler member when in an extendedposition above said golf bag enclosing and protecting golf clubscontained in said golf bag; optionally folding said cover-cooler memberdown about an attachment area of said neck of said golf bag about atleast one predetermined fold-line in said cover-cooler member;optionally detaching an optionally collapsed said cover-cooler memberfrom said neck of said golf bag with an optional holding member such asstraps or Velcro® or Velero®-like strips for attachment of saidcover-cooler member so that said cover-cooler member does not obstructaccess to golf clubs in or pockets on said golf bag; opening or closingan opened section of said cover-cooler member to insert or removeobjects that require thermal insulation over a period of time; andinserting or removing said objects when desired.
 31. The golf bagcover-cooler combination system according to claim 30, wherein saidcover-cooler combination is a device that acts simply as a cooler inthat said cooler provides thermal insulation for perishable items suchas food and beverage.
 32. The golf bag cover-cooler combination systemaccording to claim 30, wherein said semi-rigid cover-cooler membercomprises at least two surfaces.
 33. The golf bag cover-coolercombination system according to claim 30, wherein a first surface ofsaid two surfaces includes two extending inner edge portions that mayextend in an L-shape-like configuration up and over said golf bag, saidopening being attached to said inner edge portions for opening of saidsemi-rigid cover-cooler member, and said second surface may beU-shaped-like and extends above said golf bag to join with said firstsurface thereby defining a sufficient space above said golf bag toenclose and protect said golf clubs contained in said golf bag andprovide said compartment which is insulated and is suitable as saidcover-cooler combination for said golf bag.
 34. The golf bagcover-cooler combination system according to claim 33, wherein saidcover-cooler combination is positionable in an attached, non-collapsedor collapsed condition about a neck of a golf bag in a convenient,out-of-the-way disposition so that access to golf clubs in and pocketson said golf bag are not hindered, comprising: an opening of saidcover-cooler member for accessing said golf clubs in said golf bag whenin said extended position above said golf bag, wherein said cover-coolermember includes at least one predetermined fold-line for predeterminedand controlled folding of said cover-cooler member from its extendedposition to a collapsed position about said attachment area of said neckof said golf bag when said opening is open, and a securing memberattached to said cover-cooler member for securing said cover member insaid collapsed or non-collapsed position about said neck of said golfbag so that said cover-cooler member does not obstruct access to golfclubs in or pockets on said golf bag, said securing member extendingacross or around said opening in said cover-cooler member defined bysaid opening member when said opening is open, wherein said opening maybe closed by use of tie-strings or a flap-like assembly to provideenclosure for said compartment which is insulated and is suitable assaid cover-cooler combination for said golf bag.
 35. The golf bagcover-cooler combination system according to claim 34, wherein saidcover-cooler combination comprises two surfaces and said at least onepredetermined fold-line optionally comprises multiple fold-lines. 36.The golf bag cover-cooler combination system according to claim 35,wherein said securing member extends across or around said openingmember when said opening member is open or closed and wherein saidsecuring member may include either a strap or handle or at least oneslit or any convenient combination thereof.
 37. The golf bagcover-cooler combination system according to claim 36, wherein saidsecuring member comprises straps having complementary detachablefastening components.
 38. The golf bag cover-cooler combination systemaccording to claim 37, wherein said securing member includes at leasttwo straps.
 39. The golf bag cover-cooler combination system accordingto claim 38, wherein said securing member comprises fastening componentscomposed of Velcro® or Velcro-like material.
 40. The golf bagcover-cooler combination system of claim 30, wherein said cover-coolercombination includes a see-through pocket mounted externally for anycompartments or accessories defined as part of said golf bagcover-cooler combination.
 41. The golf bag cover-cooler combinationsystem of claim 40, wherein said cover-cooler combination comprises atransparent pocket mounted to one of said side portions of saidcover-cooler combination.
 42. The system of claim 30, wherein the stepof optionally detaching said collapsed cover-cooler member includesextending said optional holding member across an opening formed whensaid cooler-cover member is opened and fastening detachable engagementcomplimentary fastening components that are secured to ends of saidholding member wherein said holding member comprises straps or handlesor at least one slit or any convenient combination thereof.
 43. Thesystem of claim 30, wherein said attachment arrangement includes on ormore slits that comprise said handle.
 44. The system of claim 30,wherein said attachment arrangement comprises two or more Velcro® stripswith one or more functions known as a tandem function, wherein onefunction is to ensure proper attachment of said attachment arrangementto said golfbag or to a golfcart, and another function is to provide forproper closure of said cover-cooler combination opening.
 45. The systemaccording to claim 44, wherein said Velcro® strips may be used as atandem function in that said strips include hook and loop features onopposing surfaces wherein said strips have adhesive backing and whereinsaid adhesive backing may be peelable such that said adhesive backingmay be placed in coordination with an exterior surface rim of saidgolfbag and an interior surface of said cover-cooler combination suchthat mating of said hook and loop features of said strips may occureither to attach said golfbag or golfcart to said cover-coolercombination or to provide for proper closure of said cover-coolercombination or provide both functions.
 46. An optionally removableuniversal golf bag cover-cooler combination for a golf bag comprising; asemi-rigid cover-cooler member that is positionable in an attachedcondition about a neck of said golf bag so that access to golf clubs andany compartments and accessories defined as part of said golf bag arenot hindered and wherein said semi-rigid cover member is removablyattached about an area of said neck of said golf bag and is extendableabove said neck of said golf bag to an extended position to define asufficient space to enclose and protect said golf clubs contained insaid golf bag; an opening of said golf bag cover-cooler combination foraccessing said golf clubs in said golf bag when in said extendedposition, whereby an attachment area is provided for said attachedcondition about said neck of said golf bag and said attached conditionallows for attaching and detaching said golf bag cover-coolercombination to said neck; and wherein said semi-rigid cover-coolermember itself comprises a compartment that has an opening and is definedby edge boundaries of said semi-rigid cover wherein said opening may beoptionally fully, partially, or not closed at any point in time, andwherein said semi-rigid cover member also optionally comprises a shellwall structure attached to an optionally insulated layer portion and anoptional inner liquid resistant layer portion, wherein said insulatedlayer and inner liquid resistant portions of said shell wall structureco-operate to also define said compartment, and wherein said compartmentis thereby optionally insulated and liquid resistant and is suitable assaid cover-cooler combination for any golf bag or golf cart.
 47. Thegolf bag cover-cooler combination of claim 46, wherein said cover-coolercombination is specifically suitable for customized golf bags or golfcarts and has been designed specifically for said customized golf bagsor golf carts.